AP sources: Perry abandoning bid, backing Gingrich

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Texas Gov. Rick Perry is abandoning his presidential bid and endorsing Newt Gingrich.

That's according to Republican officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the Republican presidential candidate's announcement.

Perry planned a news conference at 11 a.m. in South Carolina, where he was to announce his decision.